Network Administrator Jobs in Tucson, AZ
Tucson's biggest networks are also its most demanding: RTX (Raytheon) runs secured defense networks, the University of Arizona connects a research campus of tens of thousands of devices, and Banner Health keeps hospital systems online around the clock where downtime is not an option. Network administrators are the people who keep that traffic flowing, and Pima Community College's networking programs feed a steady local pipeline into the role.
Current Network Administrator Openings in Tucson, AZ
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Top Tucson Employers Hiring Network Administrators
Any Tucson organization running its own infrastructure needs network staff, and the largest employers run complex multi-site networks. These hire regularly for the role:
- RTX (Raytheon) - secured enterprise and program networks, many roles requiring a clearance.
- University of Arizona - campus and research networking across colleges, labs, and data centers.
- Banner Health - high-availability hospital networks connecting clinical systems and imaging.
- Caterpillar - networking for the Surface Mining and Technology campus and connected mine systems.
- Tucson Electric Power - utility networks spanning corporate offices and field operations.
- Pima County - government networks linking county buildings and public services.
Network Administrator Salaries in Tucson
- Entry level (0-2 years, Network+ or CCNA): about $52,000 to $62,000
- Experienced (3-6 years): about $65,000 to $82,000
- Senior or lead administrator: about $85,000 to $102,000
These figures are estimates that vary by employer, certifications, and clearance. Cleared roles at RTX and senior positions at the university or utilities pay at the top of the range, and large employers add strong benefits and certification support.
How to Become a Network Administrator in Tucson
Most Tucson network admins come up through help desk or desktop support and then earn networking credentials. Pima Community College's Networking and Cyber Defense AAS covers Windows, Linux, cloud, and enterprise networking and has a Cisco focus that stacks toward a bachelor's. CompTIA Network+ followed by a Cisco CCNA is the common credential path. The University of Arizona also offers computing and information-science degrees for those aiming higher. No Arizona license is required.
What the Job Involves
You design, configure, and maintain the wired and wireless networks an organization runs on: switches, routers, firewalls, VPNs, and Wi-Fi. Day to day you monitor performance, troubleshoot outages, manage access and security rules, and plan upgrades. In a hospital or defense setting, uptime and security requirements are strict, and you coordinate closely with systems and security teams.
Skills Employers Look For
- CompTIA Network+ and Cisco CCNA certification
- Switching, routing, VLANs, and firewall configuration
- Network monitoring and troubleshooting tools
- Understanding of network security and segmentation
- Documentation and change-management discipline
Career Path and Advancement
Network administration branches toward network engineering, systems administration, cloud infrastructure, and security. Tucson admins who add CCNP, cloud certifications, or a security clearance move into higher-paying engineering and architecture roles, and the concentration of defense and utility work locally makes clearances especially valuable.
Related Careers in Tucson
These Tucson infrastructure roles pair closely with network administration:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a degree to become a network administrator in Tucson?
Not always. Many Tucson employers hire on certifications and experience, especially CompTIA Network+ and Cisco CCNA. A Pima Community College networking associate degree or a bachelor's helps for senior roles but is not required to start.
How long does it take to become a network administrator?
Commonly two to four years, often starting in help desk or desktop support while earning Network+ and a CCNA. Pima's Networking and Cyber Defense AAS is a structured local path into the role.
Which Tucson employers pay network administrators the most?
Cleared defense roles at RTX (Raytheon) generally pay the most, followed by senior positions at the University of Arizona, Tucson Electric Power, and Banner Health.
Can network administrators work remotely in Tucson?
Some monitoring and configuration work is remote, but many Tucson roles require on-site presence for physical infrastructure and, at defense sites, for security reasons. Hybrid schedules are common at larger employers.
What certifications help network administrators earn more in Tucson?
After Network+ and CCNA, advancing to CCNP, adding cloud certifications like AWS or Azure, and obtaining a security clearance are the main ways Tucson admins raise their pay.
Ready to apply? Browse all network administrator jobs in Tucson, AZ on TucsonHIRED and apply today.